Thermally assisted magnetization reversal in nanostructures

Magnetization reversal in Co nanostructures is simulated over a wide range of time-scales, from fast switching processes on a ps time-scale to thermally activated reversal on a ps time-scale. Langevin dynamics is used as well as time quantified Monte Carlo methods for the simulation of a classical spin system modeling elongated Co nanoparticles. We study the behavior of the magnetization during the reversal, the energy barriers which are relevant for the thermally activated long-time behavior and the corresponding characteristic times.